Important cases

Banking and Financial

• “Rainy Sky” (Supreme Court)
• Harbinger Capital Partners -v- Caldwell (Valuer of Northern Rock Shares) (Court of Appeal)
• Perpetual Trustee -v- Bank of New York (Supreme Court)
• Satinland -v- BNP Paribas (Court of Appeal)
• Sigma Finance Corporation (House of Lords)
• IFE -v- Goldman Sachs (Court of Appeal)
• REO -v- Aberdeen Asset Management (Court of Appeal)
• Banco Santander -v- Banque Paribas (Court of Appeal)
• Camdex International -v- Bank of Zambia (Court of Appeal)
• Riyad Bank -v- Ahli United Bank (Court of Appeal)
• Argo Fund -v- Essar Steel (Court of Appeal)

Commercial

• Benedetti -v- Sawaris (Supreme Court)
• SerVaas Incorporated -v- Rafidain Bank & Republic of Iraq & Ors (Supreme Court)
• NML Capital Limited -v- Argentina (Supreme Court)
• Concord Trust -v- Law Debenture (House of Lords)
• General Motors -v- Royal Sun Alliance (Court of Appeal)
• Kolden Holdings Limited -v- Rodette Commerce Limited (Commercial Court)
• Sibir -v- Gregory Trading (Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal)
• Channel Tunnel Group -v- Balfour Beatty (Commercial Arbitration/Injunction)
• Transworld Russian/Kazakhstan Litigation (Commercial Fraud / Arbitration)
• Messier Dowty -v- Sabena (Commercial/Air) (Commercial Court)
• Fyffes -v- Seatrade (Commercial/Fraud) (Commercial Court)
• HHR Pascal -v- Puppet (Commercial Court)
• Has also acted as Counsel in high value ICSID dispute.

Energy & Commodities

• $48bn ICC arbitration relating to a Commodities Market
• AAR Petroleum -v- BP International Ltd (Comm Arbitration/Injunction)
• British Energy -v- Credit Suisse (Commercial Court)
• EWS -v- E.ON (Commercial Court)
• Teeside Gas & Amoco -v- Enron (Technology and Construction Court)
• BHP -v- Damine (Commercial Court)
• Esso Petroleum -v- Texaco (Commercial Court)

Professional Negligence

• Stone & Rolls -v- Moore Stephens (Commercial Court)
• Barings Plc -v- Coopers and Lybrand (Chancery Division)
• Sir Elton John -v- PWC & Ors (Court of Appeal)
• County Nat West -v- Gilbert Elliott (Court of Appeal)
• Maxwell - (Prof. Neg./constructive Trust Claims)
• Kuwait Airways - (War risks insurance/Prof. Neg.) (Commercial Court)
• Wallace Smith Trust -v- Coopers & Lybrand (Professional Negligence/ Fraud) (Chancery Division)
• Attwell -v- Perry (Court of Appeal)

Insurance / Reinsurance

• Mutual Indemnity (Bermuda) ltd -v- American Patriot (Privy Council)
• Wurttembergische -v- Home Insurance (Court of Appeal)
• Axa -v- Field (Commercial Court)
• Kuwait Airways -v- KIC and others (Commercial Court)
• Sphere Drake -v- Orion (Court of Appeal)
• Charman -v- GRE (Commercial Court)
• Maxwell Accidental Death (Insurance Claim)
• BP -v- Frankona (High Court) (Commercial Court)
• "Capricorn" - (Hull insurance) (Commercial Court)

Administrative Law

• Sir Michael Bishop -v- Lufthansa
• R -v- DHSS ex parte: Source Informatics (Court of Appeal)
• Yukos -v-FSA, London Stock Exchange & Rosneft (Administrative Court)

Important cases

Competition Law

• Imperial Tobacco -v- OFT (CAT)
• EasyJet -v- Go (Competition/Airline Industry)
• Previously engaged on OFT investigation into dairy market
• Previously engaged in OFT investigation into the construction recruitment sector (2009)

Co Editor of Butterworths Banking Law Guide (2006) with Roger Masefield KC.

Cited as a Leading Silk in the areas of Banking and Finance, Commercial Litigation, Competition Law, Energy, Fraud (Civil), Insurance and Reinsurance, International Arbitration, Offshore, and Professional Negligence by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 2005-21.

Banking

Chambers & Partners

• "Mark is first-rate. He has an extraordinary ability to do trials. He's one of the leading members of the bar." (2025)
• "Mark is at the top of his game and a formidable cross-examiner." (2024)
• "Loved by clients and noted for his forceful advocacy." (2023)
• "He is excellent." "A peerless advocate, wonderful trial lawyer and a heavyweight in appellate work." (2022)
• "A top commercial silk at the Bar. He's excellent. You cannot get a better commercial silk than Mark. His name strikes fear into the heart of the opposition." (2021)
• "One of the very finest silks of his generation, and a man with a stellar practice spanning a large number of areas. Besides his exceptional ability in banking and finance disputes, he has further expertise in energy, civil fraud, professional negligence and international arbitration proceedings. He regularly appears in landmark cases for a number of leading market participants, and regularly acts for a wide array of national and international banks in matters frequently involving debt and loan recoveries." "He is a legend and an apex operator at the Commercial Bar." "Mark is a huge name." (2020)
• "He's a phenomenal appellate advocate, who's very good at thinking on his feet and dealing with interventions from high-powered judges without skipping a beat." "He has an extraordinary ability to distil the complex into the simple, and is a punchy courtroom presence, who is very happy to challenge the judge." (2019)
• "Mark has a formidable reputation as one of the most prominent commercial silks at the Bar. He gives clever, shrewd and realistic advice and above all he excels in cross-examination." "Mark is a case-winning advocate, who has the authority of the court and is prepared to tell the judge what's what." (2018)
• "He gives clever, shrewd and realistic advice and, above all, excels in cross-examination. He also obviously has the respect of the court." "A strong cross-examiner and a good advocate." (2017)
• "Fellow star silk Mark Howard KC is equally well regarded: "He does the very best-quality work and is a great trial litigator who is tremendous in court." Solicitors say that "he manages to pull the cat out of the bag every time," and that he is "absolutely the man to have on a cross-examination." " (2013)
• "Stablemate Mark Howard KC is also counsel of choice for many of the City's leading solicitors. They say: "He obviously has the respect of the court" and "is always very well prepared for meetings, never failing to deploy the materials given to him."" (2012)
• "has a formidable reputation as one of the most prominent commercial silks at the Bar." Howard "gives clever, shrewd and realistic advice and above all excels in cross-examination." (2011)
• "bold, pre-eminent banking expert and highly impressive cross-examiner" (2010)
• 'cautious yet elegant', has a 'wonderful reputation', 'particularly useful when one needs to see how a judge would view a particular problem' (2009)
• has a ‘rare quality of being not only an impressive advocate but also a devastating cross-examiner,' delivers ‘clever, shrewd and realistic advice in a timely fashion' (2008)
• well prepared and punchy - he doesn't mess around but gets right to the heart of the matter,' ‘dangerous opponent,' ‘excellent court performer' (2007)
• ‘class act,' ‘excellent cross-examination skills,' ‘good on detail, if you have a witness you think you can shred he's the man for the job' (2006)

Legal 500

• "A towering presence as a cross-examiner and advocate and has exceptional litigation tactical awareness." (2025)
• "Certainly remains in the top handful of barristers in the country. A devastating cross-examiner." (2024)
• "Simply his name can strike fear into opposition - a titan of the Bar." (2023)
• "At the height of his powers: probably the best all round silk currently operating at the Bar." (2022)
• "Incredible presence, authority and ability to condense the law into digestible submissions." (2021)
• "You always want him on your team as he adds incredible value – expensive but worth every penny." (2020)
• "Probably the leading commercial advocate at the Bar." (2018-19)
• "One of the very best." (2017)
• "Deserves his stellar reputation." (2016)
• "Mark Howard KC is ‘among the best of his generation', and ‘ a supremely able cross-examiner with a feel for how the case will go'." (2013)
• “The ‘formidable’ Mark Howard KC ‘gives clever, shrewd and realistic advice and excels in cross-examination’.” (2012)
• "The ‘exceptional’ Mark Howard KC is ‘quick to understand even the most complex of issues’ and ‘without a doubt one of the best in this field’." (2011)
• "Mark Howard KC ‘really thinks outside the box’ and maintains his ‘stellar reputation’" (2010)
• ‘pre-eminent trial advocate' with ‘a smooth turn of phase and keen strategic mind' (2007)
• ‘devastating in cross-examination' (2004)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is a “leading” advocate who “excels in cross-examination”. His excellence in commercial and banking matters makes him a “standout” name. (2020)
• Mark Howard KC draws widespread praise from respondents who highlight him as a “big name” in the banking and finance space, and as a standout figure at the commercial bar. (2019)
• The “brilliant” Mark Howard KC is “a standout name in the market” who has “a great reputation as a skilful cross-examiner”. (2018)
• "Mark Howard KC has “an excellent reputation as a cross-examiner”. As “a very established leader in the field” he has extensive experience handling a range of complex banking disputes before arbitration tribunals and at trial, handling cases up to the Supreme Court." (2017)

Commercial Litigation

Chambers & Partners - UK & Global

• "He is a stellar name at the Commercial Bar." (2025)
• "Mark is a pre-eminent figure at the Commercial Bar. He is a go-to for complex legal appeals and he has a mind with an ingrained instinct to get to the point quickly." (2025)
• "Mark is known as being the best at the Bar for oral advocacy. When things come up off the cuff, he is just a natural." (2025)
• "He is amazing at cross-examining." (2025)
• "Mark Howard is simply the best advocate of recent times when it comes to complex disputes. He is extremely smart, has amazing cross-examination skills, and is someone who knows how to win a case." (2024)
• "Mark is a very good advocate, who commands the courtroom." (2024)
• "Mark produces really high quality analysis." (2024)
• "Still at the top of his game and a formidable cross-examiner." (2024)
• "Mark is a stellar advocate who has the ability to assimilate vast quantities of information and distil it to the key arguments." "He is excellent all around in any commercial dispute." "One of the leading commercial super-silks at the London Bar, who is a go-to counsel." (2023)
• "Terrifying to have as an opponent as his submissions cut right to the heart of the case and his cross-examination is phenomenal. He wins cases that he should lose." (2022)
• "Right at the top of the Commercial Bar, he is a phenomenal advocate and a stellar performer." "He is well respected by judges and he is very canny in terms of shaping the case." "Mark is the pre-eminent trial lawyer of his generation. His intellect and his advocacy skills are remarkable, and his cross-examinations are things to behold." (2021)
• "He's got a mind like a steel trap, which crushes and grinds up the key points." "He is incisive and highly intelligent, and has exceptional authority as an advocate." (2020)
• "Very forensic in his approach and reads the judge very well." "Mark Howard is a wonderful advocate and a terrifying opponent who has great judgement and superior client skills." (2019)
• "He gives clever, shrewd and realistic advice, and above all he excels in cross-examination." "He combines an astute legal mind with an eye for strategy." (2018)
• "Formidable in terms of his exceptional analytical and strategic skills, and an advocate with ferocious cross-examination skills." "His legal ability is just flawless, and he masters the case at hand every time." (2017)
• "One of the best. He delivers decisive, clear, commercial advice and is formidable in the courtroom." "A brilliant trial lawyer who combines an astute legal mind with a good eye for strategy." (2016)
• "Mark Howard KC, one of the Commercial Bar's biggest names, is an "exceptional" silk and an "extraordinarily well-rounded advocate" who "can command the attention of any judge." A provider of "clever, shrewd and realistic advice," Howard excels "above all" in cross-examination, and is seen as being quite "devastating" in this regard." (2013)
• "Mark Howard KC is "a clear star at the Commercial Bar and someone you fear finding on the other side." Commentators are particularly impressed by his advocacy style, noting that he is a "tough and dogged opponent" who is "authoritative in court" and "always seems to have the ear of the judge." " (2012)
• "one of the great intellects at the Bar and a famously brilliant cross-examiner." Instructing solicitors line up to praise his "clever, shrewd and realistic advice," with one interviewee noting that he "clearly has the respect of the court." (2011)
• "Stellar performer Mark Howard KC "drills things down into such fantastic detail that when you're in litigation with him it's like being in the sights of a rifle. He's one of the best cross-examiners in the business." He successfully represented BSkyB in the high profile BSkyB v EDS case, and in addition to his domestic practice he has extensive experience of acting in overseas jurisdictions." (Chambers Global 2011)

Legal 500

• "Absolutely at the top of his game. A superb advocate and tactician." (2025)
• "Mark has this amazing ability to cut through the fiendishly complex, making the fundamentals of a case seem almost childishly simple. And of course he has a matchless courtroom aura." (2023)
• "A market leader and top of the class for advocacy. Mark can turn trials with razor sharp advocacy and ability to make hugely complex facts and concepts persuasively simple to understand." (2022)
• "Probably now the most authoritative and respected commercial silk at the Bar." (2021)
• "One of the great silks in the London market." (2020)
• "His mere coming on board a case can be catalyst for the enemy wanting to settle." (2018-19)
• "Quite simply the best advocate at the commercial Bar." (2017)
• "A superb advocate; probably the best around." (2016)
• "Mark Howard KC is ‘one of the best of his generation'; ‘no one can come near him'." (2013)
• “Mark Howard KC, who is ‘exceptionally clever and able to digest complex and detailed cases with ease’.” (2012)
• "an extremely good advocate" (2011)
• "‘a hugely impressive performer' who acted in Re Sigma, the first decision by the Supreme Court" (2010)
• 'thinks outside the box, and is bold' (2009)

Professional Negligence

Chambers & Partners

• "He is a star of the Bar generally and has a stellar reputation." (2025)
• "Mark is renowned in the market for his cross-examination skills. He is an incredibly strategic thinker and an incredibly powerful advocate." (2025)
• "Mark Howard is a top-quality courtroom advocate." (2024)
• "A heavy-hitting commercial silk." (2023)
• "He's outstanding, head and shoulders above most others at the Bar. Once he gets engaged in a case, boy does he get engaged." "He's a fabulous cross-examiner and is one of the people in this space who I would really listen to." "By far the finest trial advocate I have ever seen." (2022)
• "A very smooth and accomplished advocate. A skilful pair of hands." (2021)
• "He's seen as one of the leading commercial court advocates." "He's very clever and experienced." (2020)
• "A winning combination: an extremely fine lawyer, a brilliant advocate and a great cross-examiner." "He is an amazing advocate." (2019)
• "His reputation is absolutely outstanding." "Right at the top for big City litigation. He is really strong in court and a very strong analyst and examiner. A heavy hitter." (2018)
• "A legend at the Bar who is big in commercial and financial services and who is consistently rated for his cross-examination." "He's really strong in court, a very good analyst and examiner who would be one of the first you'd look to for a heavy hitter." (2017)
• "Mark Howard KC remains "right at the top of the list for big City litigation." A heavyweight silk, "he is really strong in court and a very strong analyst and cross-examiner." Howard attracts hugely complex cases." (2013)
• "The intellectually immense" Mark Howard KC is one of the leading professional negligence silks. He is a "real star" and "if you want a heavy hitter, he remains one of the first that you would look to." "Remarkably calm and authoritative," he is "an advocate who judges listen to." " (2012)
• 'Clients say he is "one of the best courtroom advocates, who always displays excellent judgement. He is ever ready to take on difficult courtroom battles without hesitation" ' (2011)
• "a serious player who has built up an enviable reputation. "One of the outstanding barristers of the generation," he is "by turns calm and ferocious in court and definitely someone you want on your side rather than against you." " (2010)
• 'Wonderfully calm and authoritative', praised for his 'crisp, clear and concise advocacy style' (2009)

Legal 500

• "Mark has an Olympian court presence. He exudes authority. Many people regard him as the best in the business." (2024)
• "He is utterly, utterly brilliant." (2021)
• "He is very experienced in professional negligence cases." (2020)
• "First class; experienced." (2018-19)
• "Really strong in court and a very strong analyst and examiner." (2017)
• "A brilliant advocate." (2016)
• "the ‘outstanding' Mark Howard KC" (2013)
• “Among the silks, the ‘clear, commercial and decisive’ Mark Howard KC has ‘an edge of hard steel’” (2012)
• "Mark Howard KC is ‘a real leader’" (2011)
• "recommended for matters ‘which are high value, complex and/or of vital importance'." (2010)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is recognised for his first-class professional negligence practice, which spans a range of commercial litigation matters – most notably before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. (2019)
• Mark Howard KC is “known for being a superb cross-examiner” according to sources. His practice covers an array of professional negligence issues for which he provides over 30 years’ experience. (2018)
• "Mark Howard KC is considered to be “one of the pre-eminent names in the area”. He boasts a great reputation in the field, and “thoroughly deserves to be at the top of the tree.”" (2017)

Energy

Chambers & Partners - UK & Global

• "Mark Howard is the standout advocate of his generation." (2025)
• "Mark is an incredibly strategic thinker and an incredibly powerful advocate." (2025)
• "Mark is excellent at cutting through all the noise to get to the heart of the matter. He has an admirable ability to make the most fiendishly complex seem very simple." (2025)
• "Mark Howard is a fearsome advocate and a draw for some of the biggest energy-related disputes." (2024)
• "He is excellent, one of the top silks at the Bar. He's exceptional." (2024)
• "Mark Howard is the ultimate operator at the Bar when looking for someone in this field." (2024)
• "He's one of the top commercial silks and has such a laser-sharp intellect and good courtroom presence." "He's a master cross-examiner." (2023)
• "He is a leader at the Bar. He has the incredible ability to make the complex seem so simple." "He is a ferocious cross-examiner." "In his legal submissions he has a knack of getting to the right points and focusing the court's attention on them." (2022)
• "A top commercial silk at the Bar. His name strikes fear into the heart of the opposition." "He's up there with the best." (2021)
• "Cuts a commanding figure at the Commercial Bar, and has an excellent reputation in the energy sector. His energy work generally consists of very high-value commercial disputes, and he is noted for his trade-mark formidable cross-examination in court." "He is ferociously bright and digests information really quickly. He is a calm and relaxed advocate which comes across well." "He is incisive and highly intelligent and, most notably, he has exceptional authority as an advocate." "He is a force of nature and a pre-eminent advocate at the Bar today." (2020)
• "Brings gravitas, clarity of argument and a dose of common sense to the courtroom." "He is incisive, highly intelligent and, most notably, someone who, as an advocate, is possessed of exceptional authority." (2019)
• "He is incisive and highly intelligent, but, most notably, he has exceptional authority as an advocate. Having used him once, clients do not tend to go elsewhere." "If you ever need a Rottweiler of a cross-examiner, he will be close to the top of the list." (2018)
• "Sometimes you appear against someone and you're just instantly impressed at the way they get to the heart of the issues - he's one of those people." "What he says carries a lot of weight and he puts things across very clearly and concisely." "There are very few advocates who can give witnesses as difficult a ride as he can." (2017)
• A top-level commercial silk who specialises in handling bet-the-farm cases. A source described him as a "superstar who is the first person everyone thinks of to lead on the biggest cases." Strengths: "He is very, very effective on his feet and he can cross-examine witnesses incredibly well." (Chambers & Partners 2016)
• "Mark Howard KC is "one of the best in town" for energy disputes. He is a "terrific advocate," who is "very clever, very hard-working and a great strategic thinker." A man who "knows how to fight cases to win," he remains a top pick for the most complex commercial matters" (2013)
• "Leading silk Mark Howard KC is "incisive, commanding and powerful." He has a superlative practice, and is trusted to deal with the highest-value, most complicated cases in the market." (2012)
• "one of the most lethal cross-examiners at the Bar today." Acknowledged as one of the current form horses in commercial law, he is an advocate with a "razor-sharp mind," who shows "continual enthusiasm for his cases." (2011)
• "power to condense even the most complex matters down to one or two central ideas" impresses sources throughout the market. "He is so good that he can bring out a completely new perception of a case," and is universally acknowledged as one of the very finest cross-examiners at the Bar." (2010)

Legal 500

• "A doyen of the English Bar. He has a remarkable courtroom presence and is a fluent and persuasive advocate." (2025)
• "Mark is in the star category and at the top of his game, a wonderful advocate with a top-ticket practice." (2024)
• "He has this amazing ability to cut through the fiendishly complex, making the fundamentals of a case seem almost childishly simple." (2023)
• Perhaps the best cross-examiner of his generation, he has incredible presence, authority and the ability to condense the law into digestible submissions." (2022)
• "Very impressive, a leading practitioner, particularly in commercial disputes." (2021)
• "A “go-to” silk for anything in the commercial sphere." (2020)
• "Amazing." (2018-19)
• "A counsel you want on your side in a difficult situation." (2017)
• "A consummate advocate, who commands the respect of the Court." (2016)
• "Highly rated silks include Mark Howard KC (who is ‘devastating in cross-examination')," (2013)
• “Recommended silks include Mark Howard KC, who is ‘pre-eminent in international energy disputes’” (2012)
• "Mark Howard KC delivers ‘excellent legal analysis’" (2011)
• "The ‘able and strong' Mark Howard KC and Roger Masefield provide ‘excellent advice' on downstream issues." (2010)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is a “well-known” and leading figure in the energy sector, with a thorough understanding of energy and commodities disputes. (2020)
• Mark Howard KC “stands out as one of the best at the bar” according to market respondents who note he is “very experienced in energy disputes” (2019)
• Mark Howard KC is renowned among peers for his “big energy practice” and strong sector focus in an area in which he is considered a “pre-eminent” practitioner. (2018)
• "Mark Howard KC is described as “one of the giants of the commercial Bar”. He regularly acts for major domestic and international energy companies." (2017)

Insurance/Reinsurance

Chambers & Partners

• "Mark is one of the best advocates at the bar for heavy insurance and reinsurance court and arbitration matters." (2025)
• "Mark Howard KC is an absolute star." (2024)
• "He is a super silk who handles massive cases." (2024)
• "Mark is diligent and knowledgeable." "Mark is a standout in the insurance market, with a lot of experience, and he is also hard-working." "Mark is an incredibly good advocate." (2023)
• "He is a brilliant advocate with a great legal mind." "Mark has a great reputation." (2022)
• "A top commercial silk at the Bar. His name strikes fear into the heart of the opposition." "He's up there with the best." (2021)
• "A skilled advocate whose insurance work is of a consistently high quality and value. He is noted for his ability to represent clients in international arbitration. His broad practice covers an array of disputes including energy-related and marine insurance matters." "A heavy hitter used for big case advocacy." "A brilliant cross-examiner who has the respect of the court." 
• "A powerful senior silk." "He brings gravitas, clarity of argument and common sense to the courtroom." (2019)
• "Excellent insurance and reinsurance counsel" who is noted for his superior advocacy and cross examination skills. His insurance work is of a consistently high quality and value and he is further noted for his ability to represent clients in international arbitration. "A brilliant cross-examiner, who has the respect of judges - they really listen to what he has to say." "A top-quality commercial leader with very good insurance experience." (2018)
• "Brilliant cross-examiner, who has the respect of the court - judges really listen to what he has to say." "A powerful, senior silk, who is the right man to turn to for the important occasion." (2017)
• "Mark Howard KC comes highly recommended for his effective advocacy style and superb cross-examination skills. He has "one of the finest legal minds at the Bar," and excels at whatever is put before him." (2013)
• "He receives compliments from clients for being "really strong in court, as well as a very strong analyst and cross-examiner." His diverse practice recently included a dispute concerning the management of reinsured run-offs." (2012)
• 'noted for his "clear thinking and sensible advice." He is equal to cases of any standing.' (2011)
• "The "laser-beam intelligence" and "frighteningly good cross-examination skills" of Mark Howard KC are similarly praised. According to sources, "judges and arbitrators always listen to Mark, and he has the admirable skill of ensuring that clients willingly discard any bad points." (2010)

Legal 500

• "Put simply, he has the court’s ear in a way that other senior silks do not. Always cuts to the heart of the issue with impeccable judgment." (2025)
• "He has great presence and ability to condense the law into digestible submissions." (2022)
• "A highly respected silk." (2021)
• "He brings gravitas and judgement to cut through the heaviest commercial cases." (2020)
• "An ability to reduce very complex arguments of law to simple and understandable propositions." (2018-19)
• "He commands the room, displays an unflappable mastery of his brief and is unrivalled on his feet." (2017)
• "Having him on board is a statement of intent to opponents." (2016)
• ‘one of the best cross-examiners in the business' (2009)
• 'Mr Reinsurance' (2008)
• ‘pragmatic, reinsurance expert' (2007)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is “incredibly highly regarded” for his insurance practice, earning praise as “the best commercial litigator in town”. (2020)
• Mark Howard KC is “a standout figure” in the insurance and reinsurance space, commended for his extensive experience representing clients in complex insurance litigation. (2019)
• Mark Howard KC is “a star name” and is “incredibly highly regarded” among peers. According to respondents, “He is by far the best commercial litigator in town,” with one effusing, “He is perhaps the best cross examiner at the commercial bar.” (2018)
• "Mark Howard KC has “the highest possible reputation” as a commercial litigator, with insurance and reinsurance a key area of practice." (2017)

Fraud

Chambers & Partners

• "Mark is a pre-eminent figure at the commercial Bar and a go-to for complex legal appeals." (2025)
• "He is excellent at cutting through all the noise to get to the heart of the matter. He has an admirable ability to make the fiendishly complex seem very simple." (2025)
• "He is incredibly astute and can cut through everything." (2024)
• "Mark is an extraordinary civil fraud barrister. He can change the fortunes of a case." (2024)
• "Mark is at the top of his game and a formidable cross-examiner." (2024)
• "Mark is a stellar advocate." "He has the ability to assimilate vast quantities of information and distil the key arguments." "Mark is a devastating cross-examiner with excellent strategic oversight." (2023)
• "He is the most feared advocate at the Bar. He's extremely clever, very easy to work with, quick on the uptake and cuts straight to the heart of any matter he deals with." "He has a fantastic rapport with judges and his cross-examination of witnesses is masterful and devastating." "One of the best commercial silks practising in London. For the biggest, heavy cases where there's a lot of cross-examination, there isn't really anyone better. He has this incredible ability to make the complex seem so simple." (2022)
• "A top commercial silk whose name strikes fear into the heart of the opposition." "His performance in court is a master class on how to persuade on difficult points and make it look simple." "A phenomenal advocate." (2021)
• "A stalwart of the Bar who exudes confidence when handling high-profile fraud matters, many of which have an international dimension. His clients include multinational corporations, private equity companies and government bodies." "An excellent advocate." "He has immense experience and is very confident in front of judges." "Takes whatever argument you have and makes it the best it could possibly be." (2020)
• "Amazing on his feet." "A fearless advocate." (2019)
• "Commanding and impactful." "A formidable advocate and an excellent tactician." (2018)
• "Mark Howard is just a force of nature. He pulls it out of the hat every time." "He penetrates all the surrounding noise and is very good at getting to the key points. He also reads the court and judges very well." (2017)
• “Sources view him as "a top choice" for difficult cross-examination." (2013)
• "Mark Howard KC is first choice of counsel on a remarkable number of high-level disputes, fraud or otherwise.  "His powerful cross-examination can utterly devastate an opposition's case," insists one admiring source." (2012)
• 'renowned for his fearless advocacy style. A "devastating cross-examiner," he is a favourite amongst instructing solicitors for cases requiring a heavyweight silk.' (2011)
• "A "ferocious and incisive cross-examiner who does not waste a single question," he is appreciated by instructing solicitors for his flexibility and his willingness to take on cases at short notice." (2010)

Legal 500

• "Absolutely at the top of his game. A brilliant tactician." (2025)
• "Undoubtedly in the top handful of advocates currently operating at the bar. Tenacious cross-examiner with a clear strategic focus." (2023)
• "He has incredible presence, authority and ability to condense the law into digestible submissions. Probably now the most authoritative and respected commercial silk at the Bar." (2022)
• "Absolutely top rank advocate, trusted and respected by Judges and amazing ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and persuasive manner." (2021)
• "If I had a dispute in which I was personally involved, I would want him as my barrister." (2020)
• "The absolute doyen of cross-examination and trial game management." (2018-19)
• "Devastating in court." (2017)
• "A fearsome cross-examiner and the best strategist at the Bar." (2016)
• "Noted figures include Mark Howard KC, who is ‘undoubtedly a star'" (2013)
• "Mark Howard KC is a ‘top-quality advocate who has a calm and measured approach’" (2011)
• ‘brings cross-examination and interim application skills that are second to none' to a case" (2010)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is extremely well known in civil fraud proceedings. He is hailed “a super silk” who is “extremely effective” and “at the top of his game”. (2020)
• Mark Howard KC is highly praised by peers for his leading expertise in civil fraud matters, with one source remarking that “he’s one of the best barristers I’ve ever seen”. (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Civil Fraud 2019)
• Mark Howard KC is a leading name in this year’s research, who draws praise for his "really impressive control of the court room”. (2018)
• "The “excellent” Mark Howard KC has a strong commercial background and has appeared in both first instance disputes and appellate courts in complex fraud cases." (2017)

Commercial Arbitration

Chambers & Partners - UK & Global

• "Mark is one of the leading commercial silks at the Bar - he's still very much at the top of his game." (2025)
• "Mark Howard is the natural choice for the most complex and most high-value blockbuster disputes. He lives up to his stellar reputation, radiating pre-eminence." (2025)
• "Mark Howard is the pre-eminent cross-examiner. He's a big star in this field." (2025)
• "He is excellent." (2024)
• "He's a masterful cross-examiner; he's able to do the equivalent of open heart surgery." "He has star quality which you can't learn - he's a very commanding and engaging presence." "Mark is hugely experienced and persuasive." (2023)
• "He is one of the best advocates at the Bar." (2022)
• "A ruthless cross-examiner." "An outstanding advocate who performs well." (2021)
• "Acclaimed for his significant experience in handling a wide range of arbitrations, including those relating to the telecommunications, energy and banking sectors on behalf of international corporations. He has particular expertise acting in LCIA and UNCITRAL arbitrations." "Mark is a guy that people get in for the most difficult cases to annihilate the competition." (2020)
• "His judgement is very sharp and reliable. An impressive advocate." (2019)
• "Provides robust advice on difficult issues." (2018)
• "There is no shortage of evidence confirming that Mark Howard KC is a pre-eminent commercial silk, and his "formidable and astute mind" is put to excellent use in international arbitration. Those who have seen him in action comment that "he is just a brilliant advocate" and praise his "excellent grasp of detail and his understanding of the bigger picture." His expertise also extends to investment treaty arbitration, and his recent work has seen him work on several high-profile disputes." (2013)
• "Mark Howard KC's reputation as a titan of the Commercial Bar is undisputed. He has gained considerable experience appearing before arbitral tribunals and in overseas jurisdictions." (2012)

Legal 500

• "As his reputation indicates, he is currently the doyen of the English Bar. He exudes confidence and authority in court and has a colossal presence." (2025)
• "A titan at the Bar" (2024)
• "Mark has this amazing ability to cut through the fiendishly complex, making the fundamentals of a case seem almost childishly simple." (2023)
• "Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. When Mark is at crease it’s like watching Ben Stokes destroy the bowling attack. He has all the shots and no hesitation in playing them." (2022)
• "A leader in the field. A stand-out barrister who can always hone in on the issues that matter and anticipate precisely what is going to be argued against him. His strategic advice can change the outcome of a case for the better." (2021)
• "One of the leaders of the Bar." (2020)
• "A must for the shortlist of any bet-the-company dispute." (2018-19)
• "One of the first you would look to when in search of a heavy-hitter." (2017)
• "One of the leading silks in this sphere, who commands the respect of arbitration tribunals." (2016)
• "A fantastic cross-examiner, who prepares really well and gets on top of the detail."
• "Mark Howard KC is ‘a devastating cross-examiner who gives clear and practical strategic advice'." (2013)
• “Mark Howard KC is ‘a master at weaving treaty law and fraud principles into his cross-examinations’” (2012)
• "Mark Howard KC is ‘a brilliant, extremely talented advocate’ with an especially strong reputation for major utilities and infrastructure disputes" (2011)
• ‘just as impressive in arbitration as he is in court' (2010)

Who's Who Legal

• Mark Howard KC is celebrated as “one of the leading silks in commercial matters”, earning high ratings for his top-tier arbitration practice. (2020)
• Mark Howard KC does “very strong court work” according to observers who hold him in high regard for his excellent knowledge of commercial and financial disputes, as well as matters in the energy and insurance sectors. (2019)
• "The “excellent” Mark Howard KC is commended for his fantastic knowledge of commercial disputes. He is an experienced advocate and regularly acts under ICC, FIA and BIT institutional rules." (2017)

Offshore

Chambers & Partners - UK & Global

• "Mark is a superstar of the Bar,the number one commercial court advocate of his day. When he turns his attention to a case he is rightly feared." (2025)
• "Mark has an exceptional reputation across all areas of law. He's a fearsome cross-examiner and really has the ear of court." (2025)
• "Mark does the most complex and high-value disputes. He lives up to his stellar reputation. He definitely has a courtroom presence, which is the key ingredient - he radiates the pre-eminence he has." (2025)
• "Mark deservedly continues to be recognised as a star of the Bar." (2024)
• "Mark is a super silk in offshore company disputes. He ensures that all his opponent's arguments are rebutted without losing the Bench." (2024)
• "Mark Howard is arguably the best commercial litigation KC in London. He is worth every penny and more. He has a star quality which you can't learn and a commanding and engaging presence." "He is an outstanding advocate." (2023)
• "He's a very well-known commercial advocate." "He has an outstanding reputation." (2022)
• "A ferocious cross-examiner who is well regarded." "A very prominent and distinguished barrister." (2021)
• "A respected commercial silk with a wealth of knowledge in banking, fraud, insurance and energy litigation. He has acted in several prominent cases in the courts of the BVI, and has also appeared in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda." "He does a huge amount of work." (2020)
• "A superb advocate who is easy to work with." (2019)
• "Very forceful and has great judgement. He has a knack of picking up all the key points before everyone else and is brilliant on strategy."  (2018)
• "He'll blow away someone in a commercial case as easily in the BVI as he does in London" (2017)
• Has a strong reputation for his work on a wide variety of contentious commercial work, spanning competition, professional negligence and international arbitration. Strengths: “He is amazing – head and shoulders above the rest.” (2016)
• "No less distinguished, Mark Howard KC attracts praise for his "excellent client handling" and devastating cross-examination skills. He has considerable experience of appearing in overseas jurisdictions." (2013)
• "Sources say of him that "he is immensely capable and has an excellent success rate."" (2012)

Legal 500

• "Mark’s advocacy is superb." (2025)
• "Absolutely at the top of the game for large disputes." (2022)
• "An impressive silk." (2021)

EU/Competition

Chambers & Partners - UK & Global

• "Mark is incredibly incisive and forensic in his approach, and an amazing cross-examiner." (2025)
• "A superb advocate." (2023)
• "He is an extraordinarily capable advocate." "His submissions cut right to the chase." (2022)
• "Has a strong competition litigation practice and is particularly active in the financial services and technology sectors. He represents clients in follow-on damages claims and price-fixing cases." "A very impressive silk." (2020)
• "Howard has very good judgement and great client skills." (2019)
• "A truly superb litigator who wipes the floor with opponents." (2018)
• "A cool customer who gets his point across beautifully" and "blows the opposition away." (2017)
• "He is just absolutely excellent." "His advice is clear and he's highly responsive." (2016)
• "Mark Howard KC is a new and popular addition to the competition table this year, and is applauded for his "ability to bring leadership and clarity to the most complex of cases." He is considered the "pre-eminent exponent of the art of cross-examination at the moment," and has worked on a number of leading competition cases in the last year." (2013)

Legal 500

• "A standout barrister." (2021)